Method and apparatus for the multi-modal accurate temperature measurement and representation of temperature-controlled stored goods

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems for determining a temperature of goods in a temperature controlled unit are disclosed. Raw temperature data is received for a first iteration. The raw temperature data indicates an air temperature inside the temperature controlled unit at the first iteration. A property value for a good stored in the temperature controlled unit is obtained. Based on the raw temperature data for the first iteration and the property value for the good, a first adjusted stored goods temperature is determined for the good. The first adjusted stored goods temperature for the good represents a first internal temperature of the good. Additional iterations are performed, where raw temperature data is received for a second iteration. Based on the raw temperature for the second iteration and the property value for the good, a second adjusted stored goods temperature is determined.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/175,709, filed Feb. 7, 2014, titled “Method and Apparatus for theMulti-Modal Accurate Temperature Measurement and Representation ofTemperature-Controlled Stored Goods,” which application claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/762,310, filed Feb.8, 2013, titled “Method and Apparatus for the Multi-Modal AccurateTemperature Measurement and Representation of Cold Stored Goods,” thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

INTRODUCTION

Temperature controlled environments controlled by heating orrefrigeration are commonly used. Refrigeration has many applications,including, but not limited to: household, commercial, medical grade,industrial grade refrigerators and freezers, cryogenic storage units,and air conditioning. The most common use of refrigeration is thestorage and safe keeping of perishable goods. When the goods beingstored are valuable or they have tight temperature tolerances, properand accurate measurement and temperature control becomes even moreimportant.

For instance, the United States government has devised protocols toensure the proper handling of vaccines during transport and storage sothat the vaccines are not damaged, altered, or subject to a loss ofpotency. Vaccines that do not contain live viruses cannot be frozenduring transport and subsequent storage. These vaccines, however, muststill be refrigerated under specific controlled conditions. Vaccinesthat contain live viruses must be frozen until they are ready to beadministered. Just like food items and other biological products(donated blood and organs), improper transport and storage can cause avaccine to become inactive, ineffective due to a loss of potency orotherwise adulterated. Both conditions pose a serious health threat tothe patient. It is with respect to this general environment thatembodiments disclosed herein are directed.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, is not intended todescribe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of theclaimed subject matter, and is not intended to be used as an aid indetermining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Many other noveladvantages, features, and relationships will become apparent as thisdescription proceeds. The figures and the description that follow moreparticularly exemplify illustrative embodiments.

In one aspect, the technology relates to a computer-implemented methodfor determining a temperature of goods in a temperature controlled unit.The method includes receiving raw temperature data for a firstiteration, wherein the raw temperature data indicates an air temperatureinside the temperature controlled unit at the first iteration. Themethod also comprises obtaining a property value for a good stored inthe temperature controlled unit and based on the raw temperature datafor the first iteration and the property value for the good, determininga first adjusted stored goods temperature for the good stored in thetemperature controlled unit, wherein the first adjusted stored goodstemperature for the good represents a first internal temperature of thegood. The method further includes receiving raw temperature data for asecond iteration, wherein the raw temperature data indicates an airtemperature inside the temperature controlled unit at the seconditeration and the raw temperature data for the first iteration isdifferent from the raw temperature data for the second iteration. Themethod also includes based on the raw temperature data for the seconditeration and the property value for the good, determining a secondadjusted stored goods temperature for the good stored in the temperaturecontrolled unit, wherein the second adjusted stored goods temperaturefor the good represents a second internal temperature of the good.

In an embodiment, an adjusted stored goods temperature is determined foradditional iterations to represent cyclical changes in raw temperature.In another embodiment, the method further comprises displaying datarepresenting the first and second adjusted stored goods temperatures forthe good. In yet another embodiment, the method further comprisescomparing data representing the first adjusted stored goods temperatureof the stored good with a temperature tolerance for the good; and basedon the comparison of the data representing the first adjusted storedgoods temperature of the good and the temperature tolerance for the agood, initiating an alert. In still another embodiment, the methodfurther comprises comparing data representing the first adjusted storedgoods temperature of the good with a set temperature range of thetemperature controlled unit, and based on the comparison of the datarepresenting the adjusted stored goods temperature of the good and theset temperature range of the temperature controlled unit, initiatingcooling of the temperature controlled unit.

In an embodiment of the above described technology, the property for thegood is one of the group consisting of: volume of the good, geometry ofthe good, and density of the good. In another embodiment, the methodfurther comprises determining at least one k value for the good storedin the temperature controlled unit, wherein the k value represents thecombined properties of the good, wherein determining the adjusted storedgoods temperature for the good is further based on the k value. In yetanother embodiment, determining the adjusted stored goods temperaturefor the good stored in the temperature controlled unit is further basedon the relationship T(t)=T_(A)+(T₀−T_(A))e^(−kt), wherein T(t)represents temperature of the good at time “t”; T_(A) represents theambient temperature (the temperature of the surroundings); T₀ is initialtemperature of the stored goods; k is a positive constant thatrepresents at least one property of the stored good, and t is the time.In still another embodiment, the method further comprises determining ak_(warm) and a k_(cool) value for the good stored in the temperaturecontrolled unit, wherein the k_(warm) and k_(cool) values represent thecombined properties of the good; and wherein determining the adjustedstored goods temperature for the good is further based on the k_(warm)and k_(cool) values.

In another embodiment of the above described technology, the methodfurther comprises determining if the air temperature inside thetemperature controlled unit is rising or falling. In yet anotherembodiment, determining the adjusted stored goods temperature for atleast one good stored in the temperature controlled unit is furtherbased on the relationships T_(n)=T_(A)+(T_(n-1)−T_(A))e^(−kcoolΔt) andT_(n)=T_(A)+(T_(n-1)−T_(A))e^(−kwarmΔt), wherein T_(n) is the adjustedstored goods temperature of the good for the nth iteration; T_(A) is theambient temperature of the temperature controlled unit as measured;T_(n-1) is the adjusted stored goods temperature of the stored good fromthe previous iteration; k_(cool) is a positive constant representativeof the properties of the good when a cooling condition is determined;k_(warm) is a positive constant representative of the properties of thegood when a warming condition is determined; Δt is the time betweenmeasurement iteration; and n is the iteration number. In still anotherembodiment, the method further comprises obtaining a property value fora second good stored in the temperature controlled unit, wherein thesecond good is different from the first good, based on the rawtemperature data for the first iteration and the property value for thesecond good, determining an adjusted stored goods temperature for thesecond good stored in the temperature controlled unit, wherein theadjusted stored goods temperature for the second good represents theinternal temperature of the second good, and based on the rawtemperature data for the second iteration and the property value for thesecond good, determining an adjusted stored goods temperature for thesecond good stored in the temperature controlled unit, wherein theadjusted stored goods temperature for the good represents the internaltemperature of the good.

In another aspect, the technology relates to a system for determiningthe temperature of stored goods in a temperature controlled unit. Thesystem comprises a temperature analysis unit comprising a processor anda memory, wherein the memory stores instructions for causing theprocessor to perform the operations of: receiving raw temperature data,wherein the raw temperature data indicates an air temperature inside thetemperature controlled unit; obtaining a property value for at least onegood stored the temperature controlled unit; and based on the rawtemperature data and the property value for the good, determining theadjusted stored goods temperature for the good stored in the temperaturecontrolled unit, wherein the adjusted stored goods temperature for thegood represents the internal temperature of the good.

In an embodiment, the instructions further comprise instructions forcausing the processor to perform the operation of determining additionaladjusted stored goods temperatures for additional iterations torepresent cyclical changes in raw temperature. In another embodiment,the system further comprises a utilization device, wherein theutilization device displays data representing the adjusted stored goodstemperature of the good. In yet another embodiment, the system furthercomprises a utilization device, wherein the utilization device isconfigured to: compare data representing the adjusted stored goodstemperature of the stored good with a temperature tolerance for thegood; and based on the comparison of the data representing the adjustedstored goods temperature of the good and the temperature tolerance forthe good, initiate an alert when the adjusted stored goods temperatureis outside the temperature tolerance. In still another embodiment, theinstructions further comprise instructions for causing the processor toperform the operations of: determining at least one k value for the goodstored in the temperature controlled unit, wherein the k valuerepresents the combined properties of the good; and wherein determiningthe adjusted stored goods temperature for the good is further based onat least one k value.

In another embodiment of the system, determining the adjusted storedgoods temperature for the good stored in the temperature controlled unitis further based on the relationship T(t)=T_(A)+(T₀−T_(A)) e^(−kt),wherein T(t) represents temperature of the good at time “t”; T_(A)represents the ambient temperature (the temperature of thesurroundings); T₀ is initial temperature of the stored goods; k is apositive constant that represents at least one property of the good, andt is the time. In yet another embodiment, the instructions furthercomprise instructions for causing the processor to perform theoperations of: determining a k_(warm) and a k_(cool) value for the goodstored in the temperature controlled unit, wherein the k_(warm) andk_(cool) values represent the combined properties of the good; andwherein determining the adjusted stored goods temperature for the goodis further based on the k_(warm) and k_(cool) values. In still anotherembodiment, determining the adjusted stored goods temperature for thegood stored in the temperature controlled unit is further based on therelationships T_(n)=T_(A)+(T_(n-1)−T_(A))e^(−kcoolΔt) andT_(n)=T_(A)+(T_(n-1)−T_(A))e^(−kwarmΔt), wherein T_(n) is the adjustedstored goods temperature of the good for the nth iteration; T_(A) is theambient temperature of the temperature controlled unit as measured;T_(n-1) is the adjusted stored goods temperature of the stored good fromthe previous iteration; k_(cool) is a positive constant representativeof the properties of the good when a cooling condition is determined;k_(warm) is a positive constant representative of the properties of thegood when a warming condition is determined; Δt is the time betweenmeasurement intervals; and n is the interval number.

In another aspect, the technology relates to a computer-readable storagemedium encoding computer-executable instructions that, when executed byat least one processor, perform a method for determining a temperatureof goods in a temperature controlled unit. The method includes receivingraw temperature data for a first iteration, wherein the raw temperaturedata indicates an air temperature inside the temperature controlled unitat the first iteration. The method also comprises obtaining a propertyvalue for a good stored in the temperature controlled unit and based onthe raw temperature data for the first iteration and the property valuefor the good, determining a first adjusted stored goods temperature forthe good stored in the temperature controlled unit, wherein the firstadjusted stored goods temperature for the good represents a firstinternal temperature of the good. The method further includes receivingraw temperature data for a second iteration, wherein the raw temperaturedata indicates an air temperature inside the temperature controlled unitat the second iteration and the raw temperature data for the firstiteration is different from the raw temperature data for the seconditeration. The method also includes based on the raw temperature datafor the second iteration and the property value for the good,determining a second adjusted stored goods temperature for the goodstored in the temperature controlled unit, wherein the second adjustedstored goods temperature for the good represents a second internaltemperature of the good.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

There are embodiments shown in the drawings, it being understood,however, that the technology is not limited to the precise arrangementsand instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 depicts an example of an environment in which embodiments ofpresent application may be implemented.

FIG. 2 depicts a more detailed view of an embodiment of refrigerationunit.

FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of the temperature analysis unit.

FIG. 4 depicts a method for determining the adjusted stored goodstemperature of stored goods in a refrigeration unit.

FIG. 5 depicts a method for displaying the adjusted stored goodstemperature data for goods stored in the refrigeration unit.

FIG. 6 depicts a method for initiating an alert or an alarm based on theadjusted stored goods temperature data for at least one stored good.

FIG. 7 depicts a method for controlling the refrigeration cycle of arefrigeration unit.

FIG. 8 illustrates one example of a suitable operating environment inwhich one or more of the present embodiments may be implemented.

FIG. 9 is an embodiment of a network in which the various systems andmethods disclosed herein may operate.

FIG. 10 is a table displaying sample data for an example application ofthe methods and systems disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Temperature controlled units, such as refrigerators, freezers, andheaters, are being utilized to store and maintain such perishable goodsat critical temperatures with tighter tolerances. As with any mechanicalsystem, variation and deviation from the set point occurs. Forhigh-value goods, such as pharmaceuticals, vaccines, proteins and tissuesamples, knowledge of the actual temperature of the stored goods(content temperature) may be important, especially when the airtemperature is fluctuating due to external events. Knowledge of theactual temperature is also important to maintain potency of the goodsand decrease risk of adverse events in patients due to temperatureexcursions. As such, there is a need for a monitoring solution that canaccurately determine internal temperatures, ensure that proper operationis being maintained, determine aberrant behavior, and providenotification in the event of a deviation from the temperature controllimits.

When storing temperature sensitive materials where the correct andaccurate representation of the temperature of the individual storedgoods is necessary, simple air temperature measurement is ofteninadequate. Using a single, centralized air temperature measurement andknowledge of the stored goods, the temperature data may be analyzedbased on the composition, area of the container and volume of the storedmaterial. From the air temperature data, an accurate representation ofthe temperature of each of the stored goods is developed and may bepresented and utilized.

The present application relates to a process and a system fortemperature monitoring of samples or other goods stored in a temperaturecontrolled environment, such as a refrigerator, freezer, or heater.Temperature controlled units are generally equipped with temperaturesensors, which emit an electric temperature signal. That temperaturesignal is in turn used by an electronic control system to regulate theoperation of a compressor such that the temperature in the temperaturecontrolled unit remains in a preset nominal range. Such sensors areoften attached to a wall of the storage space of a temperaturecontrolled unit and essentially detect the prevalent ambient airtemperature in the storage space. The ambient temperature inside thestorage device, however, is frequently subject to strong short andlong-term fluctuations, such as when a door of the refrigerator isopened, upon equipment malfunction, or upon complete shutdown of thecompressor. While the methods and systems disclosed herein apply to theuse of any temperature controlled unit or environment, for convenience,a refrigerator or freezer is commonly used as an example or embodimentof a temperature controlled unit. Those with skill in the art willappreciated that the methods and systems may be used with other forms oftemperature controlled units, such as heaters.

The air temperature detected by the sensors, however, does notaccurately represent the actual temperature of the stored goods storedinside. The internal temperature of the goods may or may not change dueto a brief influx of warm air into the refrigerator. Many other factorsalso have an impact on the internal temperatures of the goods inside thestorage space. The result can be that stored goods perish early orundergo a loss in quality when they are subjected to an environmentwhich is unsuitable, such as being too warm or too cold for them. Thus,it would be useful to have a monitoring system that could accuratelydetermine the temperature of the stored goods, rather than just the airtemperature of the storage space.

First, an understanding of the operation of refrigerators is helpful inunderstanding the present application. In general, a refrigerator takesadvantage of heat exchange by compressing gas. A compressor compresses agas, causing the gas to heat, and the heated gas is passed through a setof coils outside the interior of the refrigerator allowing the heat todissipate and the gas to condense into a liquid. The high pressureliquid then passes through an expansion valve to a low pressure area,allowing the pressurized liquid to expand and vaporize, causing itstemperature to drop inside the refrigerated storage area. The cooled gasis then drawn into the compressor, and the cycle repeats. Thus, when thecompressor is on, the refrigerator is cooling the refrigerated storagespace. Those with skill in the art will appreciate other refrigerationmethods or variations in the above description.

To attempt to maintain a semi-stable temperature in the refrigerator,the compressor needs to be turned on and off. To maintain a settemperature, a refrigerator cools the interior space to below thedesired temperature and then stops cooling. When the active coolingstops, the internal temperature slowly rises until the air temperaturereaches a tolerance level above the set temperature where the controlsrestart the compressor. Active cooling of the interior space beginsagain until the interior space reaches a temperature below the settemperature. This cycle continuously repeats itself. This activityresults in the measured air temperature to be cyclic in nature. The verynature of this cooling cycle presents challenges in the measurement andthe determination of the precise internal temperature of the goods beingstored. While the cooling cycle itself provides variation intemperature, other external events create even more variation, such asopening and closing the door or adding or removing goods, equipmentmalfunction or power failure. Additionally, other temperature controlledunits, such as heaters, exhibit similar cyclical properties.

To lessen the effect of the air temperature swings, the tip of theair-temperature-measurement device may be placed in a vessel filled witha substance, such as glycol and water. This technique is known as“buffering.” The temperature measured is then the temperature of thesubstance, not the ambient air temperature. This has the effect ofdampening the temperature swing caused by the cooling cycle or otherexternal events.

The “buffering” method, however, still fails to accurately determine thetemperature of the goods being stored in the refrigerator. For example,if the volume of a stored good is less than that of the substance-filledvessel, the stored good may not be accurately reflected by the measuredtemperature of the substance-filled vessel. The present applicationsolves that problem by determining the temperature of the individuallystored goods in the refrigerator from analysis of the measured airtemperature, even without a substance-filled vessel surrounding thetemperature sensor. The air temperature is utilized in the determinationof internal temperatures for the individually stored goods for eachgiven volume and vessel geometry. Once the correct temperature of thestored goods is determined, that temperature may be utilized for manydifferent purposes.

FIG. 1 depicts an example of an environment 100 in which embodiments ofpresent application may be implemented. Depicted in environment 100 is arefrigeration unit 102, a temperature analysis unit 104, and autilization device 106. The refrigeration unit 102 may be anyrefrigeration unit known to those of skill in the art. For instance, inone embodiment, the refrigeration unit 102 is a medical graderefrigerator. In another embodiment, the refrigeration unit 102 may bespecialized for a particular use. The refrigeration unit 102 is depictedin further detail in FIG. 2. The refrigeration unit is an embodiment ofa temperature controlled unit, and those with skill in the art willunderstand the temperature controlled unit could also be a heater.

In an embodiment, the refrigeration unit 102 contains a temperaturesensor that sends temperature data to the temperature analysis unit 104via a connection 108. The connection 108 may be a wired or wirelessconnection. For example, the refrigeration unit 102 and the temperatureanalysis unit 104 may be connected by a hardwire, wired USB, CATS,coaxial, fiber optic, or any other of the many wired connection optionsknown to those of skill in the art. As another example, the connection108 may be a wireless connection, such as a connection via the Internet,wireless networks, Bluetooth®, infrared or any other of the manywireless connection options known to those of skill in the art. As such,the temperature analysis unit 104 may be located anywhere. In someembodiments, the temperature analysis unit 104 is located remotely fromthe refrigeration unit 102. In other embodiments, the temperatureanalysis unit 104 is integrated into the refrigeration unit 102.

The temperature analysis unit 104 receives temperature data from therefrigeration unit 102. The temperature data sent by the refrigerationunit 102 may be referred to herein as the “raw temperature data.” Thetemperature data received from the refrigeration unit 102 is analyzed bythe temperature analysis unit 104 to determine the temperatures of thegoods stored in the refrigeration unit 102. This temperature of thegoods stored in the refrigeration unit 102 as determined by thetemperature analysis unit 104 may be referred to herein as the “adjustedstored goods temperature.” The temperature analysis unit 104 isdiscussed in further detail below with reference to FIG. 3.

Once the temperature analysis unit 104 has analyzed the temperature datareceived from the refrigeration unit 102, the temperature analysis unitmay send that information to the utilization device 106 via connection110. Like connection 108, connection 110 may also be wired or wireless.Additionally, in some embodiments, the utilization device 106 may beintegrated directly into the temperature analysis unit 104.

The utilization device 106 may be a multitude of devices or include amultitude of different devices and/or functions. In one embodiment, theutilization device 106 is a display device. In such an embodiment, theutilization device 106 is able to display the adjusted stored goodstemperature for each of the stored goods. Additionally, the history ofthe adjusted stored goods temperature may be displayed as a chart orgraph, or also as a spreadsheet of data or other electronic means alongwith many other display options. Further, the adjusted stored goodstemperature may be displayed with the raw temperature data that wasreceived by the temperature analysis unit 104 from the refrigerationunit 102. By displaying the adjusted stored goods temperature forindividual stored goods, a user can quickly determine if the goods havespoiled or have been outside a predetermined tolerance range. By havingthis information, in the case of medicines, medical professionals canprevent the administration of potentially spoiled medication.

In other embodiments, the utilization device 106 may be an alarm oralert device. In such embodiments, the utilization device 106 receivesthe adjusted stored goods temperature data from the temperature analysisunit 104, and based on that data, initiates an alarm or alert if theadjusted stored goods temperature data is outside a certain threshold.For instance, if the adjusted stored goods temperature data indicatesthat the temperature of a particular stored good has risen above acertain temperature, the utilization device 106 may initiate an alarm oralert to indicate that the storage unit has exceeded temperature andurgent action is required. Additionally, the utilization device 106 mayinitiate an alarm or alert to indicate that the adjusted stored goodstemperature of a particular stored good is rising or falling at anunacceptable rate. Such an alarm would allow a control system or a userto adjust the refrigeration unit as necessary. As will be appreciated bythose with skill in the art, the utilization device 106 may includeadditional functionality or comprise additional devices to furtherutilize the adjusted stored goods temperature data.

In some embodiments, an additional connection 112 may also be includedto further connect the temperature analysis unit 104 to therefrigeration unit 102. Connection 112 allows the temperature analysisunit 104 to transmit the adjusted stored goods temperature data back tothe refrigeration unit 102. Like connection 108 and connection 110,connection 112 may be wired or wireless. The refrigeration unit 102 mayutilize the adjusted stored goods temperature data in controlling therefrigeration cycle instead of, or in combination with, the rawtemperature data it would otherwise utilize. By utilizing the adjustedstored goods temperature data, the control system of the refrigerationunit 102 is able to more accurately control the temperature of the goodsinside the refrigeration unit 102.

FIG. 2 depicts a more detailed view of an embodiment of therefrigeration unit 102. As depicted in FIG. 2, the refrigeration unit102 contains a temperature sensor 202, a compressor 204, a control unit206, a storage component 208, and stored goods 210-214. FIG. 2 depicts atop-view of a chest-type refrigeration unit with the cover removed forviewing. As discussed above, the refrigeration unit 102 may be any typeof refrigeration device known to those of skill in the art.

In the refrigeration unit 102, three different stored goods 210, 212,214 are located inside the refrigeration unit 102 and supported by thestorage component 208. The stored goods 210, 212, 214 may be any type ofgoods needing refrigeration. Additionally, the storage component 208 maybe any type of component or device that can be utilized for supportingor storing the stored goods, such as a shelf or a rack.

The temperature sensor 202 is located inside of the refrigeration unit102. The temperature sensor generally measures the air temperature ofthe inside of the refrigeration unit 102. Although depicted as placed onthe center of a wall of the refrigeration unit 102, the temperaturesensor 202 may be placed anywhere within the refrigeration unit 102. Forinstance, the temperature sensor 202 may be placed in the center of therefrigeration unit 102. The temperature sensor 202 may be almost anytemperature sensor known to those having skill in the art. For instance,the temperature sensor 202 may be a thermistor, a resistance temperaturedetector, a thermocouple, a semiconductor, or analog or digital readingthermometers, among other types. In some embodiments, where thetemperature fluctuates rapidly within the refrigeration unit 102 due tothe compressor on/off cycling, the temperature sensor 202 has a highsampling rate to facilitate accurate measurement.

The compressor 204 works as described above to cool the inside of therefrigeration unit 102. In some embodiments, the control unit 206controls the compressor 204 based on the temperature data generated bythe temperature sensor 202. In other embodiments, as discussed abovewith reference to FIG. 1, the control unit 206 may also control thecompressor 204 based on the adjusted stored goods temperature data itreceives from the temperature analysis unit 104.

In embodiments, the control unit 206, the temperature sensor 202, oranother component of the refrigeration unit 102 may be responsible forgenerating and transmitting the raw temperature data to the temperatureanalysis unit 104 as discussed above with reference to FIG. 1. The rawtemperature data may be transferred in any form that is known to thosehaving skill in the art, including as both analog and/or digitalsignals.

FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of the temperature analysis unit 104. Asdepicted, the embodiment of temperature analysis unit 104 comprises animport module 302, a temperature conversion module 304, and an exportmodule 306. The modules may consist of hardware or software, along withcombinations of both hardware and software. The import module 302imports the raw temperature data from the refrigeration unit 102. Insome embodiments, the import module 302 may also convert or adjust thedata so that it is in a usable form for the temperature conversionmodule 304 to utilize.

Once the raw temperature data has been imported by the import module302, the temperature conversion module 304 analyzes and converts the rawtemperature data to the adjusted stored goods temperature. Theconversion is accomplished, in part, by utilizing raw temperature dataand properties of the stored goods. Such properties of the stored goodsmay include the vessel volume, surface area, shape geometry and storedmaterial density.

In some embodiments, the raw temperature data is converted based on thefollowing determinations. When cooling and heating a good, there is arelationship between the change in ambient air temperature and thechange in the temperature of the good. That relationship may berepresented by the following equation:

T(t)=T _(A)+(T ₀ −T _(A))e ^(−kt)

In that relationship, T(t) represents temperature of the good at time“t”; T_(A) represents the ambient temperature (the temperature of thesurroundings); T₀ is the initial temperature of the stored goods; k is apositive constant that represents different properties of the storedgoods, and t is the time.

Because a good may exhibit different characteristics when the airtemperature is decreasing (cooling) or increasing (heating), in someembodiments, it may be useful to recognize the distinct relationship ofthe good to the surrounding environments. For instance, when the airtemperature is cooling, the relationship is:

T(t)=T _(A)+(T ₀ −T _(A))e ^(−k) ^(cool) ^(t)

In such a relationship, k_(cool) is a cooling constant matching thestored good properties. Where the air temperature is heating, therelationship is:

T(t)=T _(A)+(T ₀ −T _(A))e ^(−k) ^(warm) ^(t)

In such a relationship, k_(warm) is a warming constant matching thestored good properties.

From this relationship, k_(cool) and k_(warm) may be determined fromempirical testing by directly measuring the ambient temperature and thetemperature of the good over a period of time. The k values areconstants that are based on and represent at least one of the propertiesof a particular good and its container, such as: volume, surface area,density, and shape, etc. As such, the k values may also be determined byadditional derivations. For instance, the k values may be proportionalto A/(m*c*R), where A is the surface area of the good, m is the mass ofthe good, and c is the specific heat of the good. Once k_(cool) andk_(warm) are determined or obtained for a particular good, therelationships discussed above may be applied by the temperatureconversion module 304 to determine the adjusted stored goodstemperature.

The constants k_(cool) and k_(warm) are unique to each stored good. Thecomputation that yields T(t)—the temperature of each stored good at timet, uses the appropriate k values associated with each specific storedgood. In this manner, the internal temperature of multiple goods storedin proximity to each other may be calculated independently from a singleraw air temperature measurement.

In some embodiments, the initial temperature of the good, T₀, will beknown at the time of placing it in the refrigeration unit 102.Additionally, the initial temperature of the good, T₀, may be directlymeasured in the refrigeration unit 102. In other embodiments, theinitial temperature of the good, T₀, may be estimated. For instance, insome embodiments it is presumed the stored good is approximately atequilibrium with the air temperature and T₀ may be assumed to be thefirst measured T_(A). As such, by receiving the raw temperature data,the temperature conversion module 304 is able to determine thetemperature of a stored good.

Due to the cyclic nature of the ambient temperatures in therefrigerator, it is useful to take frequent samples of the ambient airtemperatures to use in the equation. For instance, if the frequency ofthe samples is not high enough, some of the cyclic nature or frequenttemperature aberrations of the data may be missed. The frequency ofsampling may be done at a fixed rate or at a variable rate. The aboveequations and relationships are then applied for each sample of theambient air temperature to determine the adjusted stored goodstemperature at the time of the sample for the different goods within therefrigerator. As such, this determination is applied iteratively. Oneexample of such an application is described below.

One example of a process used to convert the raw temperature data intothe adjusted stored goods temperature data follows. To determine theadjusted stored goods temperature of a stored good, an iterative processmay be used that allows for the changes in ambient air temperature to bereflected in the adjusted stored goods temperature. As discussed above,the raw temperature data may be sampled at a variable rate or at a fixedrate. In the following example, the raw temperature data is sampled at afixed rate. In this example, the following equation is utilized tocomplete the iterative process:

T _(n) =T _(A)+(T _(n-1) −T _(A))e ^(−kcoolΔt) ; T _(n) =T _(A)+(T_(n-1) −T _(A))e ^(−kwarmΔt)

Where: T_(n) is the adjusted stored goods temperature of the good forthe nth iteration; T_(A) is the ambient temperature of the refrigeratoras measured; T_(n-1) is the adjusted stored goods temperature of thestored good from the previous iteration; k_(cool) is a positive constantrepresentative of the properties of the good when a cooling condition isdetermined; k_(warm) is a positive constant representative of theproperties of the good when a warming condition is determined; Δt is thetime between measurement intervals; and n is the interval number.

In this example, k_(cool) and k_(warm) are known (or determined asdiscussed above) and the time interval (Δt) is fixed, the equations canbe rewritten as:

T _(n) =T _(A) +C _(cool)(T _(n-1) −T _(A)); T _(n) =T _(A) +C _(warm)(T_(n-1) −T _(A))

Where C_(cool)=e^(−kcoolΔt) and C_(warm)=e^(−kwarmΔt).

The equation with C_(cool) is utilized when a cooling condition isdetermined, and the equation with C_(warm) is utilized when a warmingcondition is determined. A sample application of this example is shownin FIG. 10 which displays a table showing sample data. As can be seen,the raw temperature data in column 2 of the table is sampled at a fixedrate. In this example, that fixed rate is 10 minutes. As stated above,however, this rate could be much smaller or larger depending on thedesired application. Column 3 displays the determined adjusted storedgoods temperature for each iteration of a first container in storagewith the same properties as a 30 ml glycol bottle. Column 4 shows theadjusted stored goods temperature for each iteration for a secondcontainer in storage with the same properties as a 1 ml glycol bottle.In this example, the k_(warm) for the first good was 0.0013 and thek_(cool) was 0.0495135. The k_(warm) for second good was 0.1557 and thek_(cool) was 0.1484. The k_(warm) values were utilized where there was achange in air temperature that was positive, and the k_(cool) valueswere used when the change in air temperature was negative. While only 28iterations are shown in the table, there could be a potentially infiniteamount of iterations to continually monitor the temperature of thestored goods. Additionally, the data in the table could be presented inother forms, such as charts or graphs.

The temperature conversion unit 304 is able to convert the rawtemperature data into an adjusted stored goods temperature for eachindividual good stored in the refrigeration unit 102. For example, forstored good 210, the temperature conversion module 304 is able todetermine the internal temperature of the stored good 210 from the rawtemperature data when the k_(warm) and k_(cool) are known for storedgood 210. More specifically, the temperature conversion moduledetermines if the air temperature is heating or cooling by analyzing theraw temperature data, and then utilizes the appropriate relationshipfrom above to determine the temperature of the stored good 210. Thetemperature conversion module 304 is also able to determine thetemperature of the other stored goods 212, 214 from the raw temperaturedata by using the respective k_(warm) and k_(cool) values, despite thestored goods 212, 214 being different from each other and stored good210.

In other embodiments, only one k value is utilized in the calculation,and the difference between the potential k_(warm) and k_(cool) values isnot accounted for. In such embodiments, the single k value may be theaverage of k_(warm) and k_(cool).

Once the adjusted stored goods temperature for the desired stored goodshas been determined by the temperature conversion module 304, theadjusted stored goods temperature data is exported from the temperatureanalysis unit 104 by the export module 306. In some embodiments, theexport module 306 exports the adjusted stored goods temperature data tothe utilization device 106. In other embodiments, the export module 306exports the adjusted stored goods temperature data to the refrigerationunit 102 to be used by the control unit 206 to control the refrigerationcycles. Export module 306 may also convert the adjusted stored goodstemperature data to a different form depending on the final destinationof the adjusted stored goods temperature data.

FIG. 4 depicts a method 400 for determining the adjusted stored goodstemperature of stored goods in a refrigeration unit. At operation 402,the raw temperature data is received. In embodiments, the rawtemperature data is received by the temperature analysis unit and istransmitted from the refrigeration unit.

At operation 404, values for properties are determined or obtained forthe stored goods. In some embodiments, the values are for propertiessuch as volume, geometry, and/or density. In additional embodiments,both the k_(warm) and k_(cool) values are predetermined for each of thestored goods. In other embodiments, only a single k value is determinedfor each of the stored goods. As discussed above, the various k valuesmay be mathematically derived, calculated or adjusted based on otherproperties of the stored goods, or determined from empirical testing,among other potential options.

As depicted in method 400, the adjusted stored goods temperature isdetermined for two different goods stored in the refrigeration unit. Asshould be appreciated, method 400 may be expanded to determine theadjusted stored goods temperature for any number of different storedgoods. At operation 406, the change in temperature of a first storedgood is analyzed to determine if the air temperature is heating orcooling. Operation 406 is performed only when a k_(warm) and a k_(cool)value are determined for the first stored good at operation 404. If onlyone k value is determined for the first stored good, then operation 406may be omitted. At operation 408, the adjusted stored goods temperatureof the first stored good is determined. After the adjusted stored goodstemperature for the first stored good is determined, that adjustedstored goods temperature data is exported at operation 410. In someembodiments, the exportation of the adjusted stored goods temperaturedata for the first stored good also involves changing the format of thedata to conform to the requirements of the device to which the data isbeing exported.

Operations 412-416 are substantially similar to operations 406-410,except operations 412-416 are completed for a second stored good.

FIG. 5 depicts a method 500 for displaying the adjusted stored goodstemperature data for goods stored in the refrigeration unit. Atoperation 502, the adjusted stored goods temperature data is receivedfor at least one stored good. At operation 504, the adjusted storedgoods temperature data for a first good is displayed. The adjustedstored goods temperature data for the first good may be displayed in amultitude of ways. In some embodiments, the adjusted stored goodstemperature data may be displayed as a graph or plot, plotting thetemperature versus time of the first stored good. In other embodiments,the adjusted stored goods temperature data may be displayed as a singletemperature for the first stored good. In additional embodiments, theadjusted stored goods temperature data may be displayed as entries in atable or spreadsheet, among other potential display options. Atoperation 506, the raw temperature data may also be displayed. In someembodiments, for comparison, the raw temperature data may be displayedalongside the adjusted stored goods temperature data for the firststored good.

Operations 508-510 are substantially similar to operations 504-506,except operations 508-510 are completed for a second stored good. Wherethe adjusted stored goods temperature data is displayed for multiplestored goods, the adjusted stored goods temperature data may bedisplayed side by side or in a similar manner to allow for comparison ofthe temperature of the multiple goods. While method 500 depictsoperations for displaying the adjusted stored goods temperature data foronly two stored goods, it will be appreciated that method 500 may beexpanded to displaying data for any amount of stored goods, or evendisplaying data for only one stored good.

FIG. 6 depicts a method 600 for initiating an alert or an alarm based onthe adjusted stored goods temperature data for at least one stored good.At operation 602, the adjusted stored goods temperature data is receivedfor at least one stored good. At operation 604, the temperaturetolerance range is determined for a first stored good. For instance, ifthe first stored good is a vaccine, the vaccine may need to be keptwithin a tight temperature range. At operation 606, the adjusted storedgoods temperature data for the first stored good is compared to thetemperature tolerance for the first stored good determined at operation604.

If, based on the comparison at operation 606, the adjusted stored goodstemperature data for the first stored good is outside the temperaturetolerance for the first stored good, an alert or alarm is initiated atoperation 608. The alarm or alert may be a visual or audible alarm. Insome embodiments, the alarm or alert will indicate that action should betaken immediately to prevent the spoilage of the first stored good. Suchan indication may result from a determination that the temperature ofthe first stored good is changing too rapidly or approaching the limitof a certain tolerance. In other embodiments, the alarm or alert may notbe immediate. Rather, the alert or alarm will be recorded and indicatethat the first stored good has spoiled or has potentially been outsideits temperature tolerance. This type of recorded alert will notify aperson when removing the first stored good that it should not be used.In an example where the first stored good is a vaccine or otherwisemedicinal, the notification may prevent the potentially harmfuladministration of medicine that has been outside its temperaturetolerance.

If the comparison at operation 606 indicates that the first stored goodis within its temperature tolerance, monitoring will continue and themethod 600 will repeat. Even if the first stored good is found to beoutside the temperature tolerance, monitoring will continue and themethod will repeat.

Operations 612-618 are substantially similar to operations 604-610,except operations 612-618 are completed for a second stored good. Whilemethod 600 depicts operations for utilizing the adjusted stored goodstemperature data for only two stored goods, it will be appreciated thatmethod 600 may be expanded to any amount of stored goods, or even foronly one stored good.

FIG. 7 depicts a method 700 for controlling the refrigeration cycle of arefrigeration unit. At operation 702, the adjusted stored goodstemperature data is received for at least one stored good. For example,the stored good temperature data is received at the refrigeration unitfrom the temperature analysis unit. At operation 704, the adjustedstored goods temperature data is compared to the set temperature rangeof the refrigeration unit. If, based on the comparison in operation 704,the adjusted stored goods temperature data indicates that thetemperature is too high or above the set temperature range of therefrigeration unit, cooling is initiated at operation 706. In someembodiments, initiating cooling may comprise starting the compressor ofthe refrigeration unit. If, based on the comparison in operation 704,the adjusted stored goods temperature data indicates that thetemperature is too low or below the set temperature range of therefrigeration unit, cooling is stopped at operation 708. In someembodiments, stopping cooling may comprise stopping the compressor ofthe refrigeration unit.

FIG. 8 illustrates one example of a suitable operating environment 800in which one or more of the present embodiments may be implemented, forexample, the temperature analysis unit. This is only one example of asuitable operating environment and is not intended to suggest anylimitation as to the scope of use or functionality. Other well-knowncomputing systems, environments, and/or configurations that may besuitable for use include, but are not limited to, personal computers,server computers, hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems,virtualized systems, microprocessor-based systems, programmable logiccontrollers, programmable consumer electronics such as smart phones,network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, smartphones, tablets,distributed computing environments that include any of the above systemsor devices, and the like.

In its most basic configuration, operating environment 800 typicallyincludes at least one processing unit 802 and memory 804. Depending onthe exact configuration and type of computing device, memory 804(storing, among other things, instructions to perform the monitoringmethods described herein) may be volatile (such as RAM), non-volatile(such as ROM, flash memory, etc.), or some combination of the two. Insome embodiments, the memory will contain the instructions for computingthe adjusted stored goods temperature, along with the determined storedgoods temperatures. This most basic configuration is illustrated in FIG.8 by dashed line 806. Further, environment 800 may also include storagedevices (removable, 808, and/or non-removable, 810) including, but notlimited to, magnetic disks, optical disks, tape, or solid state media.Similarly, environment 800 may also have input device(s) 814 such astouch screens, keyboard, mouse, pen, voice input, etc. and/or outputdevice(s) 816 such as a LEDs, display, speakers, printer, etc. Alsoincluded in the environment may be one or more communicationconnections, 812, such as LAN, WAN, point to point, Bluetooth, RF, WIFI,etc.

Operating environment 800 typically includes at least some form ofcomputer readable media. Computer readable media can be any availablemedia that can be accessed by processing unit 802 or other devicescomprising the operating environment. By way of example, and notlimitation, computer readable media may comprise computer storage mediaand communication media. Computer storage media includes volatile andnonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any methodor technology for storage of information such as computer readableinstructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computerstorage media includes, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memorytechnology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other digitaloptical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage or other magnetic storage devices, solid state storage, or anyother tangible medium which can be used to store the desiredinformation. Communication media embodies computer readableinstructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in amodulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transportmechanism and includes any information delivery media. The term“modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of itscharacteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode informationin the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communicationmedia includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wiredconnection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and otherwireless media. Computer storage media, as used herein, does not includecommunication media. Combinations of the any of the above should also beincluded within the scope of computer readable media.

The operating environment 800 may be a single computer operating in anetworked environment using logical connections to one or more remotecomputers. The remote computer may be a personal computer, a server, arouter, a network PC, a peer device or other common network node, andtypically includes many or all of the elements described above as wellas others not so mentioned. The logical connections may include anymethod supported by available communications media. Such networkingenvironments are commonplace in offices, enterprise-wide computernetworks, intranets and the Internet. In some embodiments, thecomponents described herein comprise such modules or instructionsexecutable by computer system 800 that may be stored on computer storagemedium and other tangible mediums and transmitted in communicationmedia. In some embodiments, computer system 800 is part of a networkthat stores data in remote storage media for use by the computer system800.

FIG. 9 is an embodiment of a network 900 in which the various systemsand methods disclosed herein may operate. In embodiments, devices, suchas device 902A and 902B, may communicate with each other and one or moreservers, such as servers 904 and 906, via a network 908. In embodiments,a device may be a laptop, a personal computer, a smart phone, a PDA, anetbook, or any other type of computing device, such as the computingdevice in FIG. 9. For example, temperature analysis unit may be such adevice. As another example, the utilization device may be such a device.In embodiments, servers 904 and 906 may be any type of computing device,such as the computing device illustrated in FIG. 8. Network 908 may beany type of network capable of facilitating communications between thedevices 902A and 902B and one or more servers 904 and 906. Examples ofsuch networks include, but are not limited to, LANs, WANs, cellularnetworks, and/or the Internet.

In embodiments, the various systems and methods disclosed herein may beperformed by one or more server devices. For example, in one embodiment,a single server, such as server 904 may be employed to perform thesystems and methods disclosed herein. Device 1802 may interact withserver 904 via network 908 in order to access information such as,adjusted stored goods temperature data, the device 906 may also performfunctionality disclosed herein.

In alternate embodiments, the methods and systems disclosed herein maybe performed using a distributed computing network, or a cloud network.In such embodiments, the methods and systems disclosed herein may beperformed by two or more servers, such as servers 904 and 906. Althougha particular network embodiment is disclosed herein, one of skill in theart will appreciate that the systems and methods disclosed herein may beperformed using other types of networks and/or network configurations.

While many of the examples discussed herein have made reference to arefrigeration unit as a type of temperature controlled unit, thosehaving skill in the art would recognize that that the systems andmethods disclosed herein would be applicable to any type of temperaturecontrolled unit, such as heaters and/or refrigerators.

While there have been examples, instances, and embodiments describedherein, other modifications of the technology will become apparent tothose skilled in the art from the teachings herein. The particularsystems and methods disclosed herein are exemplary in nature and are notto be considered limiting. It is therefore desired to be secured allsuch modifications as fall within the spirit and scope of thetechnology. Accordingly, what is desired to be secured by Letters Patentis the technology as defined and differentiated herein, and allequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented method for determining atemperature of goods in a temperature controlled unit, the methodcomprising: receiving raw temperature data for a first iteration,wherein the raw temperature data indicates an air temperature inside thetemperature controlled unit at the first iteration; obtaining a propertyvalue for a good stored in the temperature controlled unit; based on theraw temperature data for the first iteration and the property value forthe good, determining a first adjusted stored goods temperature for thegood stored in the temperature controlled unit, wherein the firstadjusted stored goods temperature for the good represents a firstinternal temperature of the good; receiving raw temperature data for asecond iteration, wherein the raw temperature data indicates an airtemperature inside the temperature controlled unit at the seconditeration and the raw temperature data for the first iteration isdifferent from the raw temperature data for the second iteration; andbased on the raw temperature data for the second iteration and theproperty value for the good, determining a second adjusted stored goodstemperature for the good stored in the temperature controlled unit,wherein the second adjusted stored goods temperature for the goodrepresents a second internal temperature of the good.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein an adjusted stored goods temperature is determined foradditional iterations to represent cyclical changes in raw temperature.3. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying datarepresenting the first and second adjusted stored goods temperatures forthe good.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: comparing datarepresenting the first adjusted stored goods temperature of the storedgood with a temperature tolerance for the good; and based on thecomparison of the data representing the first adjusted stored goodstemperature of the good and the temperature tolerance for the a good,initiating an alert.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:comparing data representing the first adjusted stored goods temperatureof the good with a set temperature range of the temperature controlledunit; based on the comparison of the data representing the adjustedstored goods temperature of the good and the set temperature range ofthe temperature controlled unit, initiating cooling of the temperaturecontrolled unit.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the property for thegood is one of the group consisting of: volume of the good, geometry ofthe good, and density of the good.
 7. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: determining at least one k value for the good stored in thetemperature controlled unit, wherein the k value represents the combinedproperties of the good; and wherein determining the adjusted storedgoods temperature for the good is further based on the k value.
 8. Themethod of claim 7, wherein determining the adjusted stored goodstemperature for the good stored in the temperature controlled unit isfurther based on the relationship T(t)=T_(A)+(T₀−T_(A))e^(−kt), whereinT(t) represents temperature of the good at time “t”; T_(A) representsthe ambient temperature (the temperature of the surroundings); T₀ isinitial temperature of the stored goods; k is a positive constant thatrepresents at least one property of the stored good, and t is the time.9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining a k_(warm) anda k_(cool) value for the good stored in the temperature controlled unit,wherein the k_(warm) and k_(cool) values represent the combinedproperties of the good; and wherein determining the adjusted storedgoods temperature for the good is further based on the k_(warm) andk_(cool) values.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprisingdetermining if the air temperature inside the temperature controlledunit is rising or falling.
 11. The method of claim 10, whereindetermining the adjusted stored goods temperature for at least one goodstored in the temperature controlled unit is further based on therelationships T_(n)=T_(A)+(T_(n-1)−T_(A))e^(−kcoolΔt) andT_(n)=T_(A)+(T_(n-1)−T_(A))e^(−kwarmΔt), wherein T_(n) is the adjustedstored goods temperature of the good for the nth iteration; T_(A) is theambient temperature of the temperature controlled unit as measured;T_(n-1) is the adjusted stored goods temperature of the stored good fromthe previous iteration; k_(cool) is a positive constant representativeof the properties of the good when a cooling condition is determined;k_(warm) is a positive constant representative of the properties of thegood when a warming condition is determined; Δt is the time betweenmeasurement iteration; and n is the iteration number.
 12. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: obtaining a property value for a secondgood stored in the temperature controlled unit, wherein the second goodis different from the first good; based on the raw temperature data forthe first iteration and the property value for the second good,determining an adjusted stored goods temperature for the second goodstored in the temperature controlled unit, wherein the adjusted storedgoods temperature for the second good represents the internaltemperature of the second good; and based on the raw temperature datafor the second iteration and the property value for the second good,determining an adjusted stored goods temperature for the second goodstored in the temperature controlled unit, wherein the adjusted storedgoods temperature for the good represents the internal temperature ofthe good.
 13. A system for determining the temperature of stored goodsin a temperature controlled unit, the system comprising: a temperatureanalysis unit comprising a processor and a memory, wherein the memorystores instructions for causing the processor to perform the operationsof: receiving raw temperature data, wherein the raw temperature dataindicates an air temperature inside the temperature controlled unit;obtaining a property value for at least one good stored the temperaturecontrolled unit; based on the raw temperature data and the propertyvalue for the good, determining the adjusted stored goods temperaturefor the good stored in the temperature controlled unit, wherein theadjusted stored goods temperature for the good represents the internaltemperature of the good.
 14. The system of claim 13, the instructionsfurther comprise instructions for causing the processor to perform theoperation of determining additional adjusted stored goods temperaturesfor additional iterations to represent cyclical changes in rawtemperature.
 15. The system of claim 13, further comprising autilization device, wherein the utilization device displays datarepresenting the adjusted stored goods temperature of the good.
 16. Thesystem of claim 15, further comprising a utilization device, wherein theutilization device is configured to: compare data representing theadjusted stored goods temperature of the stored good with a temperaturetolerance for the good; and based on the comparison of the datarepresenting the adjusted stored goods temperature of the good and thetemperature tolerance for the good, initiate an alert when the adjustedstored goods temperature is outside the temperature tolerance.
 17. Thesystem of claim 13, wherein the instructions further compriseinstructions for causing the processor to perform the operations of:determining at least one k value for the good stored in the temperaturecontrolled unit, wherein the k value represents the combined propertiesof the good; and wherein determining the adjusted stored goodstemperature for the good is further based on at least one k value. 18.The system of claim 13, wherein determining the adjusted stored goodstemperature for the good stored in the temperature controlled unit isfurther based on the relationship T(t)=T_(A)+(T₀−T_(A))e^(−kt), whereinT(t) represents temperature of the good at time “t”; T_(A) representsthe ambient temperature (the temperature of the surroundings); T₀ isinitial temperature of the stored goods; k is a positive constant thatrepresents at least one property of the good, and t is the time.
 19. Thesystem of claim 13, wherein the instructions further compriseinstructions for causing the processor to perform the operations of:determining a k_(warm) and a k_(cool) value for the good stored in thetemperature controlled unit, wherein the k_(warm) and k_(cool) valuesrepresent the combined properties of the good; and wherein determiningthe adjusted stored goods temperature for the good is further based onthe k_(warm) and k_(cool) values.
 20. The system of claim 19, whereindetermining the adjusted stored goods temperature for the good stored inthe temperature controlled unit is further based on the relationshipsT_(n)=T_(A)+(T_(n-1)−T_(A))e^(−kcoolΔt) andT_(n)=T_(A)+(T_(n-1)−T_(A))e^(−kwarmΔt), wherein T_(n) is the adjustedstored goods temperature of the good for the nth iteration; T_(A) is theambient temperature of the temperature controlled unit as measured;T_(n-1) is the adjusted stored goods temperature of the stored good fromthe previous iteration; k_(cool) is a positive constant representativeof the properties of the good when a cooling condition is determined;k_(warm) is a positive constant representative of the properties of thegood when a warming condition is determined; Δt is the time betweenmeasurement intervals; and n is the interval number.
 21. Acomputer-readable storage medium encoding computer-executableinstructions that, when executed by at least one processor, perform amethod for determining a temperature of goods in a temperaturecontrolled unit, the method comprising: receiving raw temperature datafor a first iteration, wherein the raw temperature data indicates an airtemperature inside the temperature controlled unit at the firstiteration; obtaining a property value for a good stored in thetemperature controlled unit; based on the raw temperature data for thefirst iteration and the property value for the good, determining a firstadjusted stored goods temperature for the good stored in the temperaturecontrolled unit, wherein the first adjusted stored goods temperature forthe good represents a first internal temperature of the good; receivingraw temperature data for a second iteration, wherein the raw temperaturedata indicates an air temperature inside the temperature controlled unitat the second iteration and the raw temperature data for the firstiteration is different from the raw temperature data for the seconditeration; and based on the raw temperature data for the seconditeration and the property value for the good, determining a secondadjusted stored goods temperature for the good stored in the temperaturecontrolled unit, wherein the second adjusted stored goods temperaturefor the good represents a second internal temperature of the good.